Blog

On November 12, 2024, the Orange County chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI-OC) hosted its monthly dinner meeting, headlined by a keynote presentation from Thomas Leffler, President and Chief Revenue Officer of Project Insight. Leffler delivered a thought-provoking and practical talk titled “Communicating with Your C-Suite with Confidence,” offering invaluable insights for project managers seeking to build stronger connections with executives.

Key Takeaways from the Presentation

 

The Unique Challenges of C-Suite Communication

Thomas began by identifying the common hurdles project managers face when communicating with executive leadership. These include navigating remote work environments, understanding accessibility dynamics, and bridging differing communication styles. 

 

Executive Presence and Preparation

The presentation emphasized the importance of cultivating executive presence through confidence, eye contact, and clarity. Thomas advised attendees to prepare rigorously, ensuring they could articulate their points succinctly and address questions effectively. 

 

Relationship Building as a Foundation

A key theme was the importance of establishing relationships with executives before initiating projects. Thomas suggested proactive strategies like engaging with executives on LinkedIn, contributing positively to organizational culture, and understanding leadership priorities. These efforts, he emphasized, help secure executive buy-in early, smoothing the path for future project collaboration.

 

Tailoring Communication and Using Data

Thomas highlighted the need to adapt communication to the personality styles of C-suite members, advocating for tools like personality assessments to inform strategies. He also stressed the power of data-driven storytelling, urging project managers to align project updates with strategic goals and anticipate potential executive questions.

 

Ongoing Communication and Sponsorship

To maintain credibility, Leffler advised delivering regular, concise updates and proactively addressing risks. He also encouraged attendees to seek out potential sponsors within their organizations—key advocates who can champion their projects and provide strategic guidance.

 

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Throughout the presentation, Thomas gave the audience multiple role-playing scenarios to put into practice each tip he covered. This provided project managers with actionable strategies to enhance their communication with C-suite leaders. By focusing on preparation, relationship building, and data-driven clarity, attendees left equipped to approach their next executive interaction with confidence and poise.